How to Make a Didgeridoo

Ever wondered how to make a didgeridoo? Or what techniques did
Australian Aboriginal People
use making a didgeridoo?

Here is how they did it, and what species of
eucalyptus or other trees were used to make this great indigenous
musical instrument.

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Didgeridoo History and Didgeridoo Eucalyptus
Although didgeridoo is today associated with all Aboriginal People,
traditionally it was found in Arnhem Land in the top end of Northern
Territory. It is probably the oldest
musical instrument in the world. It is believed that the first
didgeridoos were made of bamboos (Bambusa arnhemica
and Bambusa
moreheadiana). They can however be made out of any trees that
have
a hollow inside, cleaned out by termites. Some classic eucalyptus
species used for making didgeridoos are
Stringy Bark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta), River Red Gum (Eucalyptus
camaldulensis) and Woolybutt (Eucalyptus miniata). They have
also
been made of palm
trees such as Livistona humilis.

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Didgeridoo Making Techniques
The main thing is to find a tree the centre of which has been eaten out
by termites. Aboriginal
People
used to knock on trees to hear if it was hollow. If it was, the tree
was chopped down using stone axis. Then the tree trunk was cleaned in
and outside, by soaking it in water. Coals were often used to clean the
hollow out inside, and outside, bark was pulled off. Then it was cut to
the desired length, usually 1-3 metres. Bee wax was used to make the
mouth piece smoother. Then it was ready to be painted and used. It is
quite quick and not too hard to make it, if only you find a hollow
tree.

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